Teaching New People How To Fail: A Client's Story

My story is about The Infinite Group (TIG). I ran my own business and through a client I was introduced to a man called Mark Spolander. Mark was a director and franchisee of TIG. He convinced us to franchise our business by showing us how easy it would be and how much money we could make. We fell for it hook line and sinker. Mark charged us an astronomical monthly fee. He was supposed to help us start our franchise, write a franchisee manual, help develop the training programme and any other hands-on help we would need.

True love?

Well, well, well, so the Wedding of the Century is upon us. In a couple of days Ian Johnson and Pratima Patel are finally to tie the knot, declaring their love for each other before God and this showy congregation.

I wonder what percentage of the congregation will be there out of love for the “Happy Couple”, compared to those they have effectively “bought” – whom Ian Johnson likes to call “friends”. Until they are no longer making money for him, of course, at which point they too will be dropped like hot potatoes. One of the franchisees was invited to the wedding – his invitation was withdrawn when he declared his intention to leave The Infinite Group. 

The Criminal Definition of Fraud

2 Fraud by false representation

Con-artists are evil

The con-artist has extensive emotional insight, quickly figuring out what it is their victim wants and finding a chink to exploit. They lie with ease and are devoid of compassion. Validating their victims desires, a con artist establishes trust in a short period of time, making out they are your friend and giving the belief that you will benefit from meeting them. They often come with very little history.

The Infinite Group: the real Never Never Land

I am one of the majority of failed “partners” of one of Ian Johnson’s franchise schemes. My memories and experience of The Infinite Group is that of sleepless nights, worries about finances and sheer terror and panic of how I was going to make ends meet. Since I left, all I wanted to do was to forget that nightmare, but it doesn’t seem to want to forget me. When I was asked to contribute to this blog, all those memories came flooding back… I am, however, glad to talk about my dealings with Ian Johnson and hope that the truth about him and his so-called “franchise” helps all those who are still his franchisees and those, who consider joining his schemes or doing business with him.

The Charter of Ian Johnson

When you meet Mr Ian Johnson he will describe himself as a “Chartered Accountant” and give an impression of a “stunningly successful” businessman:

“A fully qualified Chartered Accountant, Ian has seen his many and varied business interests take him literally around the globe.” (Source: Ian Johnson's biography, The Infinite Group franchisee induction training materials)

He even states this in his own Biography within new franchisee induction training materials (and we use the phrase “training materials” loosely here).

Luminar: Bumbling Amateurs or Elaborate Con?

My experience with Luminar must be something akin to a soccer “mom”, who sets out with excitement and pride, rooting from the sidelines, only to find her little darling is not only no bloody good at the game, but resorts to the foulest of tactics in order to keep others from realising the fact.

Billed arrogantly as “one of the world’s leading investment companies”, Luxembourg-domiciled Luminar claims a “unique” means of acquiring businesses.  Allegedly underpinned with an “insurance” product that safeguards any deferred consideration (AKA the money the seller waits for after the deal has been done), Luminar positions itself as a cut above any other acquiring party.